At Ventura Bright Dental, we believe that a beautiful smile starts with healthy gums — and flossing plays a major role in keeping your mouth clean and cavity-free. While brushing removes plaque from the surface of your teeth, flossing cleans the tight spaces your toothbrush can’t reach, preventing gum disease and decay where it starts.
Every day, food particles and bacteria build up between your teeth. If not removed, they harden into plaque and eventually tartar, which can lead to:
Gum inflammation and bleeding
Cavities between teeth
Bad breath
Periodontal (gum) disease
Flossing only takes a few minutes a day, but it can save you from much more time — and cost — spent on dental treatments later on.
Here’s the proper technique for effective flossing, as recommended by our dental professionals at Ventura Bright Dental:
Start with about 18 inches of dental floss. Wrap most of it around your middle fingers, leaving a few inches to work with.
Hold the floss tightly between your thumbs and index fingers.
Gently guide the floss between your teeth with a soft sawing motion — avoid snapping it against your gums.
Curve the floss around each tooth in a “C” shape and slide it up and down along the side of the tooth and under the gumline.
Use a clean section of floss as you move from one tooth to the next.
Rinse your mouth with water or mouthwash to remove loosened debris.
That’s it! With just a few minutes of daily care, you’ll help keep your teeth and gums healthy for years to come.
If traditional floss is difficult to handle, try using:
Floss picks – great for on-the-go cleaning
Water flossers – ideal for braces or sensitive gums
Soft interdental brushes – perfect for wider gaps between teeth
Our team can help you find the best option for your smile during your next visit.
If you’re unsure whether your flossing technique is working or you’re experiencing bleeding gums, our friendly dental team can help. We’ll show you proper flossing techniques and create a personalized oral hygiene plan for your needs.
3450 Loma Vista Rd, Ventura, CA 93003
Call us: (805) 666-1919
Disclaimer:
The information on this website is for educational purposes only. Ventura Bright Dental is not responsible for any decisions made based on this content. Always consult your dentist or healthcare professional for advice specific to your situation.